Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage Recipe

If you’re searching for a pasta night crowd-pleaser, Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage is exactly the cozy, creamy meal you need. With tender “little ear” orecchiette, savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, this one-skillet recipe brings rustic Italian comfort right to your kitchen—ready in just about 30 minutes!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage is that every ingredient is humble yet absolutely essential. Each one adds its own tasty charm—from the aromatic garlic to the flecks of spinach and just the right touch of cream.

• Ground Italian Sausage (1 lb): Pick either mild or spicy sausage—both infuse the dish with incredible depth and those irresistible rustic flavors.
• Onion (1 medium, diced): Sautéed onion brings subtle sweetness, rounding out each bite.
• Garlic (1 tsp, freshly minced): A must for that classic Italian aroma—don’t be shy!
• Salt (1 tsp) & Italian Seasoning (½ tsp): Just enough to make the other flavors pop (taste before adding more salt, depending on your sausage and broth).
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (2½ cups): This is the secret behind that luscious, well-seasoned sauce.
• Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup): For a silky, rich finish that balances out the savory sausage.
• Orecchiette Pasta (340g or ¾ lb, uncooked): Their unique “little ear” shape scoops up sauce and sausage perfectly—so fun to eat!
• Fresh Spinach (2 cups, chopped): Adds color and bright freshness, wilting into the warm pasta just at the end.
• Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): Classic Italian flavor and nutty saltiness for the perfect finishing touch.

Variations

This recipe is the definition of flexible—Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage thrives on little swaps and tweaks. Feel free to riff on the formula based on what you have on hand or to suit your dietary needs!

• Use Turkey or Chicken Sausage: For a lighter option, swap in ground turkey or chicken sausage—just as delicious and slightly leaner.
• Make it Veggie-Friendly: Crumbled plant-based sausage or sauteed mushrooms stand in beautifully for the meat, making this dish vegetarian-friendly.
• Try Different Greens: No spinach? Kale or baby arugula add peppery bite and extra nutrients.
• Go Dairy-Free: Use your favorite plant-based cream and cheese alternatives if you’re avoiding dairy.

How to Make Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onion

Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and diced onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. You’ll know it’s ready when the sausage is nicely browned and the onion turns soft and translucent—usually about 4 to 5 minutes. This is where all the savory flavor magic begins!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and Italian seasoning. Cook for another minute, just until the garlic turns fragrant. This quick step layers in tons of aroma—don’t let the garlic brown, just coax out its sweetness.

Step 3: Simmer With Broth and Cream

Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the pan’s bottom. Then add the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. You’ll start to see the beginnings of a dreamy sauce take shape.

Step 4: Cook the Orecchiette Pasta

Add the uncooked orecchiette pasta directly into the skillet. Stir well to coat all the pasta, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook, stirring every few minutes, until the pasta is al dente—usually between 10 and 15 minutes. The pasta absorbs delicious flavor as it cooks and the sauce thickens beautifully!

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, add in the chopped spinach and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts right in. Taste, season with a little extra salt or pepper if needed, and serve while piping hot!

How to Serve Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan is always a winner (and a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper for a little kick). For a pop of green, toss on some chopped fresh parsley or basil. A drizzle of good olive oil on top elevates the dish from weeknight to special occasion.

Side Dishes

Pair your Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, or serve alongside garlic bread for extra comfort. Roasted broccoli or asparagus also make fresh, bright partners to balance the creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish family-style in a large shallow bowl for rustic Italian flair, or plate individually with a twirl of pasta and a sprinkle of cheese for a dinner-party vibe. Mini cast iron pans or oven-safe gratin dishes make for fun, bubbly portions—perfect if you like a crispy cheese finish (just pop under the broiler for a minute or two!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage reheats nicely and makes a wonderful desk lunch the next day!

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly: portion into individual containers and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor (cream sauces can sometimes break when frozen, but a gentle reheat usually brings them back together).

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I just know Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage will become a weeknight favorite at your house—so quick, so satisfying, and packed with flavor. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a little slice of Italian comfort this week. You’ll be wishing for leftovers (spoiler: there probably won’t be any)!

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